Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have spurred transformative changes across various industries over the past decade. However, the nuclear power generation sector has been relatively slow to adopt AI applications. This underutilisation is set to be a focal point at the upcoming POWERGEN International conference, scheduled for February 11-13, 2025, in Dallas, Texas.
The conference will host a panel discussion titled “AI in Nuclear: Unfulfilled Promise or Just Getting Started?” This panel aims to delve into the potential for enriching AI innovation within the nuclear energy field. Notable speakers include Joshua Guzman Bell, a Nuclear Technology & Innovation Consultant for Dominion Energy; Forrest Shriver, CEO of Sentinel Devices; and Greg Alder, Director of Plant Optimization at Curtiss-Wright.
Forrest Shriver, whose company has developed OTAware—an AI-driven monitoring platform aimed at minimising equipment downtime—discussed the importance of awareness amongst power producers regarding AI applications. In an interview with Power Engineering, he stated, “I think it’s very important for power producers to get an understanding of what’s out there and what’s being done at a high level in AI applications for industry, so they can better understand how to parse and judge the trends that are at the heart of the decisions they have to make every day.” Shriver emphasised that knowledge of the emerging technologies and trends can bolster decision-making processes in the fast-evolving sector.
The panel discussion will tackle the critical need for offline-first AI solutions, as conventional systems face hurdles pertaining to cybersecurity, which is paramount for power producers. Shriver outlined the need for bespoke solutions, given that many companies must adhere to stringent cybersecurity measures that preclude reliance on standard off-the-shelf software. Additionally, operations often occur in remote areas where consistent data streaming is impractical.
Furthermore, Shriver pointed out the challenges presented by cloud-centric AI solutions, which currently dominate the market without offering a viable middle ground between fully on-premises systems and total cloud dependence. He indicated, “I’ll be talking a bit about how we’re solving that challenge,” indicating potential discussions of innovative strategies to cater to the specific requirements of the nuclear power sector.
The panel, part of the Nuclear’s Evolution track at the POWERGEN event, is set to take place on Thursday, February 13, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The discussion promises to highlight both the current landscape of AI in nuclear power and its potential evolution, providing valuable insights for industry stakeholders eager to understand the role of AI in shaping future business practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services